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Family Ties

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Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin In The Sun” and Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” are both stories that are connected by the common factor of family values. Although both stories have their own individual qualities it is the heritage and importance of family that brings both stories together. The similar personalities of Beneatha from “A Raisin In The Sun” and Dee from “Everyday Use” are a good example of how family values dominate the stories and the characters in them. Both Beneatha and Dee come from families rich in culture, history and traditions but strive to find individuality outside of their family’s norms. However, it is the way in which they approach conformity that is a testament to how one should and shouldn’t go about this process. …show more content…

As she gains a college education and becomes indoctrinated by Asagai, she finds more gratitude toward her heritage and begins to view others with deeper gratitude. Her attitude towards the African American identity is in large part fashioned by Asagai's pressure to conform to his standard, but in the end it becomes more a part of her than it was at the beginning of the story. Yet, she never chastises her family despite the opportunity she has to fulfill her dreams. She is cognitive of the fact that regardless of where she is at in life, she can find solace at home and there are no terms and conditions attached to it. Even though her family may have different opinions on her lifestyle, she understands where their hearts are and learns to accept that, unlike Dee who can’t seem to see past the end of her own nose. Beneatha also understands that when surrounded by trouble her family will be there to help her endure through tough times. Michelle Gordon, when she discusses the importance of a black female’s strong bond with her family during the days of segregation mentions the Youngers, and most specifically Beneatha. Gordon, in regards to Beneatha’s character says that:
“Beneatha is a character many young African Americans living through the times of their culture’s liberation because she was by far the one that reached out from the story for being genuine and wanted others, including her family, to

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